The IDF recently held a simulation to test its finest soldiers and emergency officials on how they would react during a real life crisis. According to the IDF, the simulation was placed in the following context: “In a peaceful neighborhood on a sunny day, an airplane is flying high above. Suddenly, the pilot loses control of the airplane and it crashes. Many people are injured or trapped under the ruins, some have died, and fire is starting to spread.”

Soliders of the IDF Homefront Command are experts when it comes to civilian disaster response. Each year, the IDF creates various types of simulations to keep its soldiers and other emergency responders prepared for possible disaster. This particular simulation took place during the third international IPred convention on Healthcare System Preparedness and Response to Emergencies and Disasters.

“The scene opened to an airplane in ruins, its mangled parts scattered across the ground, and buildings on fire. Soldiers in civilian clothing played the part of injured airplane passengers.”

“IDF rescuers began to enter the scene, one by one. The Search and Rescue team and Home Front Command firefighters evacuated the injured, drilled through the concrete ruins to find trapped civilians or bodies, and put out fires. The Oketz canine unit searched for trapped civilians using sniffer dogs, the Medical Corps treated the wounded, and an Israel Air Force helicopter evacuated them to hospitals. Police officers and civilian paramedics also participated, and a ‘news reporter’ gave the enthralled audience a running commentary in English throughout the exercise.”

An “injured” passenger calls out for help while paramedics arrive on scene to treat the wounded.

Emergency responders search for trapped civilians and put out fires.

A canine from the Oketz unit and his handler.

Participants of the simulation celebrate their success!

All photos from the IDF Blog.